Bali

the land of the gods

This isn’t the type of destination you can visit just once, and for several reasons. Whilst Bali is one of the smallest islands of Indonesia, there’s lots to see – from beaches to jungles to rainforests, waterfalls & volcanoes – it’s teeming with natural beauty. With no shortage of temples, Bali carries a fascinating history and this is just the beginning; luxury resorts & villas, delicious food & affordability will make you want to return.

Many don’t realise how much of an adventure Bali can deliver; that doesn’t mean you have to be hiking dormant volcanoes every day (although this tour is highly recommended!), but you should explore the different regions as each offers unique experiences. We love the diversity the island provides too – from the famous pool parties at Potato Head Beach Club, to swinging over the rice fields, to the golden sands of Nusa Dua, Bali truly is a destination that everyone should visit. We did, so much so we spent a whole month there! Believe us, it’s easy to fall in love with this place.

Facts about bali

Currency – Indonesian Rupiah

All flights to Bali require a connection

The Balinese have just 4 names

Dry Season – April to October

Why should you travel to bali with us?

If you haven’t already guessed, we really do love Bali and everything about it and we’d love it if you felt the same way. That means sharing our first-hand experiences and knowledge about this incredible destination; the best resorts & hotels to stay in each region and for how long, which excursions & sites you can’t miss and even which flight route you should take to maximise your adventure. Our travel experts are waiting to hear from you, so we can start planning your amazing adventure to The Land of the Gods.

different regions of bali to explore

With so much to see on the island, you’ll want a reasonable amount of time in which to do so – we recommend an absolute minimum of 3 nights per region but a 10 to 14 night holiday is ideal for your first visit. That way, you’re not missing out on any of Bali’s finest offerings. Our travel exports can tailor-make your itinerary, maximising your time on this wondrous destination in Southeast Asia. Whilst there are more regions further afield, the below are our top picks for an adventure to remember.

UBUD

Famed for its lush green rice fields and rainforests with waterfalls cascading down from above. This jungle-rich region of Bali is a great place to start your trip. Many of the sites visitors want to explore are closer to Ubud – Saraswati Temple, the Kajeng rice fields, Tegenungan Waterfall and of course, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – your luxury resort here becomes a great base for your adventure. Our top resort picks here are Maya Ubud, Hanging Gardens of Bali & The Kayon Jungle Resort with its famous overlapping infinity pools.

KUTA & Seminyak

The bustling heart of Bali can be found on the West coast, in the popular tourist spots of Kuta & Seminyak. Here is where you can eat like a local – we challenge you not to stop at every street vendor as the delicious aromas grab your attention! – as well as wander the beaches, maybe trying a spot of surfing. Use your time here to take trips North to the resort village of Canggu and to witness the sunset from Tanah Lot Temple. Double Six, Anantara Seminyak & The Oberoi are amongst our favourite resorts in this region.

nusa dua & uluwatu

Some will say that we’ve saved the best till last – that’s certainly the case if you’re a beach lover and want to end your adventure with some time to unwind at a luxury resort. Our travel experts believe that the beaches of Nusa Dua & Uluwatu are the best on the island – golden sands, sunrise over the ocean, elegant resorts offering fantastic levels of service – this is the part of your trip where you get to take it easy. There’s lots of resorts to choose from here, but The Laguna Resort & Spa, St Regis and The Ungasan top our list.

Our recommended balinese itinerary

First things first, our travel experts need to get to know you – how you like to travel, what you enjoy doing, how you want to spend your time, your preference of accommodation. But sometimes you need a little extra inspiration to help make your holiday truly memorable. Bali really does have so much to offer for all types of travellers.

Below, you’ll find Our Perfect Itinerary, designed for you to get as much out of your trip to this incredible part of the world as possible. Love what you see, or spot something that wouldn’t be for you? Not a problem – that’s why our travel experts tailor-make your itineraries to fit you, not the other way around. Enjoy exploring our Balinese adventure!

Day 1

As all the flights to Bali require a connection, you may be feeling a little tired after your journey. Depending on your time of arrival - and subsequently the traffic - the journey to Ubud can take 1-2 hours by private car. Arrive at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa and begin to unwind in your Heavenly Pool Villa, featuring a private pool, terrace overlooking the Balinese garden and an outdoor rainforest shower, too. Treat yourself to a 'Jet Lag Recovery' treatment in the spa before grabbing dinner at Mayasari to complete your day.

Day 1

sacred monkey forest sanctuary ubud bali

Day 2

After a good rest & delicious breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. See them in their natural habitat as you cross Dragon Bridge to the Holy Spring Temple, all whilst learning about the conservation programme. After your animal experience, make the short walk to Saraswati Temple, dedicated to honour the Hindu Goddess of learning, literature & art, nestled amongst gardens & lotus ponds. Finish your afternoon with a visit to Ubud Palace (right next door) to enjoy a local dance performance.

Day 2

Day 3

With so much to see in this part of Bali, we recommend a private guided tour so you don't miss out. Meet your driver at Maya Ubud before journeying North to Pura Lempuyang Luhur, where the famous reflective picture is taken. The early visit here means you beat the crowds! On your drive back, stop by a coffee plantation to try Kopi Luwak before continuing on to trek the magical Tegenungan Waterfall trail, finishing at the rice fields. For the daredevils, strap in and swing out over the rice fields for an amazing experience & photo-op!

Day 3

Day 4

Your day begins at 2am as you're collected at the resort for your final adventure here. After a 90+ minute drive, you'll arrive at the base of Mount Batur and meet your guide before starting the ascent before 4am. With a few short breaks along the way, you'll reach the top of this dormant volcano for the most incredible views of the sunrise. Sit back & soak it all up as your guide provides fresh coffee. After your descent and journey back, you've earned a relaxing final day; spend it by your private pool, enjoying Maya's excellent service and in-villa dining.

Day 4

Day 5

Leave the jungle behind as you depart Ubud for your drive to Kuta & Seminyak, meandering down the hills through local villages. Arrive at the newly refurbish Anantara Seminyak, where just 59 Balinese-inspired suites await - the beachfront infinity pool & rooftop sunset lounge are beautiful! Your Ocean Suite provides ample space, endless ocean views & even an al fresco jacuzzi, complete with bubbles! Settle in or drop off your bags and head out to explore; located right on Seminyak Beach with local bars & restaurants everywhere you look.

Day 5

Day 6

There's a whole host of ways you can spend the day here. There's plenty in the local vicinity; try horse-riding or go surfing right outside your resort, visit Yoga Shala for an incredible class, spend the day living it up at Potato Head Beach Club, or simply enjoy your luxury resort and all that it has to offer. We love coffee and Indonesia is famous for it - check out Revolver, a small shop at the end of an alleyway, known for having the best coffee on the island, where you can sample a wide range of beans, blends & recipes.

Day 6

Day 7

If you opted for horse-riding or surfing yesterday, start today with an in-suite signature spa treatment - Kerokan Therapy is a stimulating, warming treatment that boosts your stamina and increases energy flow. For us, food is a huge part of any trip. We want to enjoy as many local delicacies as possible, so why not whip up an Indonesian feast at the resort's 'Spice Spoons', where you'll visit a local market with the chef to select your produce, before returning to the resort to prepare your delicious creations for lunch and go home with new recipes.

Day 7

Day 8

Today is for adventure, in many forms. Hire a scooter and drive like a local - or Grab (their version of Uber), like we do - and head along the Northwest coast to Canggu, where you'll find terraced rice paddies as you drive towards the coast. Swing by a beach club for lunch or afternoon cocktail - COMO, Finns & La Brisa are all great. A little later, continue North to Tanah Lot Temple, one of the most popular sunset spots in Bali. Perched on top of an outcrop amidst crashing waves, time the tides right if you want to cross the causeway to explore.

Day 8

Day 9 & 10

Enjoy your final morning in Seminyak before packing up and heading South to the beautiful beaches of Nusa Dua & Uluwatu, where luxury resorts & relaxation are aplenty. As you arrive at The Ungasan, all your stress (if you had any left, that is) will float away as you begin to take in this piece of paradise. Your Ocean View Suite - complete with private plunge pool - is located within the Chintamani Residence, allowing access to a 20m pool, bar, lounge, dining areas and more, as well as your private suite and VIP access to Sundays Beach Club.

Day 9 & 10

Day 11 & 12

Hopefully by now you're fully relaxed and enjoying the slower pace that this region of Bali boasts. If you're looking for a few options for your stay here, an unforgettable experience is paragliding off the cliffs of Uluwatu, flying over the gorgeous coast of Nyang Nyang Beach. For the foodies, plan a visit to the Four Seasons Resort in Jimbaran to enjoy 'Bali's Longest Brunch - six hours of unlimited tapas served à la carte with cocktails, cool music vibes & beachfront views. The perfect way to end an incredible itinerary across Bali... until your next visit!

Day 11 & 12

Things to do in Florence

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this iconic landmark of the Florentine skyline glistens as the golden sun sets over the city. The structure towers over you, standing in Piazza di San Giovanni and instantly feels magical, connecting you to history. The climb up the Cupola is worth every step... plus you'll deserve a drink afterwards!

Chianti Wineries

The Chianti region produces many of Tuscany's best wines, and it's easy to explore on a day trip from Florence. From Rufina to Vinci, Siena to Arezzo, this gentle land leaves visitors impressed with the endless rows of grapes, evergreen olive grows and epic cypress trees greeting you on arrival. Speak with our travel experts to arrange your vineyard tour.

Pitti Palace

The Palazzo Pitti, in English sometimes called the Pitti Palace, is a vast, mainly Renaissance, palace in Florence. Located on the South side - close to Ponte Vecchio - and originally built in 1457, contains artefacts including 16th century paintings, 19th century furnishings and a vast collection of Medici household treasures, from silverware to precious jewellery.

Central Market

The Mercato Centrale is from the risanamento time; the period when Florence was the capital of Italy in the late 19th century. Perhaps more relevant, the abundance of smells inside is outstanding! Shop for local groceries, or stop by for a snack, cocktail or even made-to-order pizza. The Lorenzo de’ Medici cooking school is available for the chefs among us!

Visit Pisa

Seeing as you're most likely to be flying into Pisa, it would be a shame to not visit this town - some say it's famous for a leaning tower! A fun few hours can be spent exploring this popular spot, along with some planned photo-time. Whilst the direct train is only 45-60 minutes from Florence, our travel experts can assist with a guided tour if you prefer.

Book with us today

Now is always the best time to book your next holiday and we’re here to take all of your stress away. Simply get in touch with our travel experts for an initial consultation and whether you need a little inspiration or know exactly what you want – with a little help from us – you’ll soon be jetting off to your next destination.